Few hotel brands are as deeply woven into the cultural imagination as Ritz-Carlton. Long before luxury travel became an Instagram staple, the name itself was shorthand for refinement, status, and indulgence. F. Scott Fitzgerald casually referenced it in his fiction as a symbol of elite living. Irving Berlin and Arctic Monkeys used it as a metaphor for glamour and excess. Hollywood has repeatedly chosen Ritz-Carlton properties as backdrops for stories dripping in elegance and power.
To stay at a Ritz-Carlton is to participate in a legacy of luxury that spans more than a century. The brand’s reputation rests not just on lavish interiors or prestigious locations, but on meticulous service, attention to detail, and a feeling that everything has been anticipated before you even think to ask. With more than 40 properties across the United States alone, Ritz-Carlton offers everything from coastal resorts and desert sanctuaries to iconic urban landmarks.
Below is a curated selection of the best Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in the U.S., each representing the pinnacle of luxury in its region.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – California
Perched dramatically atop coastal cliffs just south of San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is one of the most spectacularly situated hotels in the country. With uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly toward the horizon, the property feels both grand and deeply calming.
Rooms and suites facing the ocean are the most coveted, offering private balconies where guests can relax beside personal fire pits while listening to the waves crash below. Fireplaces in select suites add another layer of comfort, particularly during the region’s misty evenings. The hotel is surrounded by two championship golf courses, scenic coastal trails, and direct access to the beach, making it a dream for outdoor lovers who still want refined luxury.
Dining is equally impressive. Navio specializes in coastal-inspired seafood with panoramic ocean views, while The Conservatory offers elevated Californian cuisine. The oceanfront terrace is perfect for watching the sunset wrapped in a blanket, glass of wine in hand.
Highlights include:
- A luxury spa using locally sourced ingredients
- Heated indoor pool, Roman soaking tubs, sauna, and steam room
- 24-hour fitness center
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach – Hawaii
Blending five-star hospitality with the comfort of upscale residential living, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers a different kind of luxury experience. Rising high above Honolulu, the twin towers provide sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and the city skyline.
Each suite is designed with long stays and families in mind, featuring full kitchens, washer-dryer units, and spacious living areas. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, making it easy to settle in while still enjoying all the privileges of a Ritz-Carlton stay.
One of the property’s standout features is its pair of infinity pools—among the highest in Waikiki—creating a dramatic setting for relaxation above the city. The spa focuses on traditional Hawaiian healing techniques, including lomilomi massage, while dining options span French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine.
Highlights include:
- Full-service spa with traditional Hawaiian treatments
- Separate infinity pools for adults and families, plus private cabanas
- Three high-end on-site restaurants
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco – California
Housed in a stately 1909 neoclassical building atop Nob Hill, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco embodies old-world grandeur paired with modern sophistication. From the moment you step into the marble-clad lobby, it’s clear that this is one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Guest rooms are finished in refined blue and gray tones, with expansive marble bathrooms and sweeping city views. The pinnacle of luxury here is the Presidential Suite, offering nearly 2,000 square feet of space and a generous balcony overlooking downtown San Francisco.
The rooftop terrace serves contemporary California cuisine alongside expertly crafted cocktails, providing a serene escape above the city bustle.
Highlights include:
- Over 22,000 square feet of meeting and event space
- 24-hour fitness center
- Exclusive Club Level lounge for members
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park – New York
Few luxury experiences rival a stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Following an extensive renovation completed in 2019, the hotel now feels both timeless and freshly elevated. Situated directly across from Central Park, it offers some of the most iconic views in Manhattan.
Rooms frame the dramatic contrast between lush greenery and towering skyscrapers, while interiors exude understated elegance. The service is discreet yet deeply attentive, reinforcing the effortless sophistication the Ritz-Carlton name represents.
Its location is nearly unbeatable, placing guests steps from Central Park, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art, and countless dining and cultural landmarks.
Highlights include:
- La Prairie Spa offering Swiss-inspired treatments
- State-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes and yoga space
- Elite Les Clefs d’Or concierge service
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – Hawaii
Set along the rugged northwest coast of Maui, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a haven of natural beauty and relaxed luxury. Wind-swept beaches, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic ocean views create a setting that feels both cinematic and deeply peaceful.
The resort offers a range of accommodations, from elegant guest rooms to spacious suites with full kitchens, all designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Guests enjoy direct access to Fleming Beach, scenic hiking trails, and a nearby historic pineapple plantation.
Families appreciate the thoughtful amenities, while couples gravitate toward the tranquil spa and adults-only pool areas.
Highlights include:
- Two championship golf courses
- Multi-level outdoor pool complex with family and adults-only zones
- Holistic spa featuring Hawaiian healing traditions
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans – Louisiana
Located just steps from Bourbon Street, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers a refined retreat amid the city’s lively energy. Occupying a grand 1909 Beaux-Arts building, the hotel channels the city’s rich cultural heritage through elegant interiors and thoughtful details.
Guest rooms combine historic charm with modern comfort, featuring marble bathrooms, plush furnishings, and expansive city views. The hotel’s serene courtyard garden provides a rare sense of calm in the heart of the French Quarter.
Live jazz performances fill the bar on weekends, reinforcing the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans.
Highlights include:
- 20,000-square-foot spa with signature Voodoo Ritual treatments
- Complimentary seafood gumbo served daily
- Fully equipped fitness center with sauna
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes – Florida
Sprawling across 500 acres of lush landscaped grounds, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes redefines luxury in Central Florida. Inspired by Italian palazzi, the resort feels grand yet serene, offering a welcome contrast to nearby theme parks.
Guests enjoy access to three outdoor pools, a massive spa complex, an 18-hole championship golf course, and 11 dining venues—including a farm-to-table restaurant supplied by the property’s own working farm.
Its central location places Disney World, Universal Studios, and major airports within a short drive.
Highlights include:
- Access to Grande Lakes Waterpark with lazy river and slides
- 40,000-square-foot spa with salon and barbershop
- Locally sourced dining at Highball & Harvest
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – Florida
Nestled along the pristine shores of Amelia Island, this Ritz-Carlton property offers an idyllic Atlantic beach escape. It’s particularly beloved by couples seeking romance, tranquility, and refined coastal luxury.
Rooms feature sweeping ocean views, plush bedding, and elegant décor. Guests often gather at sunset around beachfront fire pits, watching the sky shift from gold to deep blue over the Atlantic.
Highlights include:
- Private beach access with curated outdoor activities
- Ritz Kids Club with educational programming
- Resort-style pool with private cabanas
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago – Illinois
Situated just off the Magnificent Mile, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago delivers urban glamour at its finest. The lobby’s marble finishes and soaring ceilings set the tone, while contemporary art pieces by renowned American artists reinforce the hotel’s prestige.
Guest rooms offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. For elevated dining and nightlife, The Rooftop at Torali provides Italian-inspired cuisine and expertly mixed cocktails high above the city.
Highlights include:
- Heated indoor pool
- Full-service spa and wellness facilities
- Sauna and steam room
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain – Arizona
Tucked within the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers a secluded luxury retreat near Tucson. Surrounded by towering rock formations and desert flora, the property feels worlds away from everyday life.
Private balconies frame unforgettable sunset views, while miles of hiking trails invite exploration. The resort features multiple pools, an exceptional spa, and diverse dining options that allow guests to stay entirely on property if they wish.
Highlights include:
- Three championship golf courses
- Ritz Kids Rangers adventure program
- Outdoor pools with waterslides and desert views
From cliffside ocean resorts to historic city landmarks and desert hideaways, these Ritz-Carlton properties represent the height of luxury hospitality in the United States. Each offers a distinct sense of place while maintaining the brand’s legendary standards—proving that no matter where you check in, you’re stepping into a world where elegance, comfort, and impeccable service are guaranteed.
